🚨MERCURY PRO XS FATAL FLAW!🚨 (ARE YOU AT RISK?)

[@johnparker2462]

Andy, thanks for sharing this video, thats my boat in the video. I was running Santee cooper and hit a submerged floating log. I was running about 50mph and the hit didn’t feel hard at all. That said the motor completely broke from its cast iron mount. It’s very scary and happen way too fast. I was very thankful for the leash as I felt it saved me from serious injury or death. After I sent the pictures to precision sonar to show them how good their product was, I was shocked at how many people reached out to me that have been in similar accidents with similar results. I know of one other guy with the exact motor that hit a log on the Mississippi and his broke in the exact same place. Mercury has reached out to me and they want my motor to do testing on it to see if they do have a problem. So they are aware and are wanting to get ahead of this. Anyways thanks for bringing awareness to something that could seriously injury someone, especially children now with how many high school tournaments we have.

[@gransport4246]

Would be interesting to know if the mounting bracket is weakened from trailering. A lot of people are using those “transom savers” like DD26 that only take the load off of the hydraulics even though many claim otherwise. Every owner’s manual I’ve ever read has recommended and shown a transom support that attaches between the trailer and the engine’s lower unit. At least from a root cause analysis, everything needs to be considered and not dismissed.

[@brentcarr8365]

I agree!! I just bought a 2015 z118c ranger and that confused me. I'd like it if it went to the trailer

[@nathanfuller6066]

Agreed.. my marina tried to talk me into one said it's better. Common sense tells me if motors locked down to trailer it moves together as one unit and trailer suspension absorbs a majority of the shock.

[@Everarmed89]

Truly appreciate this video Andy. I fish in WI with a Pro XS built in ‘20 and have hit debri going moderate speeds. The lower unit and mounting points look fine so far but who knows what’s happening within the casting. Did not know about the Leash but purchasing one now as a few hundred bucks is well worth the added safety if something should happen

[@LaneY5220]

Good info, im a merc tech and have not heard of this issue. Very frustrating. I will be looking for the bulletin. Happy Friday!

[@PhilClark1976]

Have a Leash on mine but because I’m on Lake Fork and tons of trees. Glad I have one if this is a real deal. Thanks for keeping us posted on issues.

[@goadventuregoexplore8588]

Thank you for this video. My wife and kid fish with me often. Their safety is my first priority.

[@Humborg1]

It all starts with the raw products. Cheap imported steel, aluminum, nuts , bolts, ect. Love the video's, and honesty. I've ran mercury for over 20yrs. Got a 2004 200hp efi on a 186 champion now. Hope they are able to find the weak spots on this.

[@billstopinski2568]

how does the 200 do on the 186, they should be rated for a 200

[@Humborg1]

@billstopinski2568 it runs great is snappy and great out of the hole. Fast enough for me, it says it's rated to 175hp. Some state that from pictures my boat is a 184, but I measure it at 186. Its 94 dc champion.2004 mercury efi .

[@DDekkon]

The whole entire engine is a weak spot because it's 500 lbs of speedily assembled garbage shoved into a 100 pound bag.

[@mactownsend2890]

@@DDekkon Seems like Mercury is doing what Boeing is doing. Quality control down in favor of pushing product out.

[@DDekkon]

@mactownsend2890 It's pretty disappointing to see a great company like Mercury going in that direction, but they really are.

[@PeelerOutdoors]

I hadnt heard of this problem. Definitely will look into it more. Thanks for spreading the awareness.

[@FishinFool70]

I agree 100%. Mercury changed the metal , no question about it. They can't make a prop that doesn't crack or throw a blade anymore either....a flying prop blade will do some damage also! I'll keep my old mercs...and etec!!! lol

[@DDekkon]

Nor can they make engine cowlings that prevent salt water from getting all over the powerhead.

[@Kyleherk]

Are the 115 pro XS in the same group for those issues or is it just the higher HP? Any issues with the 115?

[@danlaur7973]

Andy, what exactly is breaking on the Mercs? Is it the mounting bracket the holds the engine to the boat?

[@douglasjre]

I love how real you are. This is really what we sound like in the industry. Crazy customer questions followed by crazy repair jobs because of crazy jury rigs that precede our repair that we have to re-repair in a crazy industry where we sometimes lack factory support drives us to act this way😂

[@flippers098]

I’ve heard rumors from workers at the plants, that the quality control has been embarrassing to meet demand since the start of Covid. Obviously take with a grain of salt but I live 20 mins from the plant and hear plenty.

[@GarryMurray-i1y]

News to me. Thanks. I was just about to order a new 200 pro xs. Not any more. I don’t want to spend that kind of money on crap this is also dangerous. Appreciate this video!!!

[@fish4kbcf]

This is the honest truth. Has any ever paid attention to Andy’s sound effects? That dial up sound was spot on. His engine sounds are DIALED lol. Even his jackplate sound is money. The dude missed a calling in voice over work lololol

[@rdude1184]

Thank you for this information.

[@rickrobinson5611]

I hit a log at about 45 MPH with my 06 Opti-max and broke the trim cylinder. I'm glad that it didn't break the hanger bracket.

[@cliff7634]

Thanks for this video. WOW hard to believe, scarrrrry!

[@ljwldt]

The dial up impression was amazing

[@kevincrawford6936]

Thank you, Andy. I've been toying with the idea of getting a Leash. Now i will be getting one. By the way, lets have some more boat comparisons please. Thank you Sir

[@patpollack1109]

Thanks for the updates. Great videos, i watched your tiller video and just put a lund 1875 on hold. Keep up the great work.

[@DatGuy960]

I have an old Ranger I want to recover. I no longer run the GLs, I'm now in Florida and Mercury has been a letdown for years for people I know who rely on their boats for their income. I want so.ethi g durable and have no need for speed, anymore, just reliability. So, Suzuki is looking a lot more favorable. I look to y'all to help with so.e of.my decisions, when I can. Y'all give very valuable insight. Thanks for all you do.

[@mittsoutdoors9240]

Love what you’re doing Andy ! Keep it up

[@TeamMarineService]

Always!

[@LivingProof-1]

Just shared your video on FB Mercury Pro XS owners group. Thanks,

[@patricklunsford6557]

Andy thank you for using a global platform to be a Stewart for the marine industry!

[@FishingdadWI]

Just a curious thought here. How are all these motors being transported down the road? With those little motor tote things or with an actual transom saver rod from the lower unit to the trailer? Maybe the weight of that motor bouncing down the road not actually being supported is causing some fractures possibly weakening these mounts? Again I have no data or evidence for that but I know since I’ve had my 2021 pro xs it has had a transom saver bar every time it’s on the trailer, I have not hit anything at speed yet, only at idle and I see no sign of wear or hairline cracks or anything thankfully.

[@davidhall1779]

Exactly.

[@carlwhitehead2646]

I have 2019 merc and have hit several things pretty hard and i have yet to have an issue. But i will look into a leash just for the safty. Thanks for the information..

[@ronald9237]

Hi Andy....I know someone with a merc 150 4 stroke. Are they the bigger motor? Or should the guys with 150 should be concerned? Thanks Andy. Great show!!!!!!

[@cletushound]

I want to know that too.

[@johnpitts9456]

Thanks for the video, Andy. I'm in the process of looking for a new 200hp engine for my bass boat, and I've been leaning strongly toward the Mercury pro xs. I guess I'll keep doing some research. Thanks again

[@leojeidy8010]

Lets not forget about jackplate failures. Seen a photo of a atlas jack plate that put the motor on the back deck when he hit a stump. Broke the hyd cylinder bolt and slid up through the rails and out. A leash is a must regardless of motor.

[@AdrenalineCyclesKy]

The issues is not the Manufacture it is the end user. The driver that hits something with a motor it's not the design of the motors fault that it is breaking under non recommended use. If the issue was happening with no collision it could be placed on the Manufacture. But the increase in boaters in the market this is the results. More accidents and more problems are bound to occur. Its happening in all industries right now. Powersports and marine have a lot of new users that don't know how to drive or operate the machine they drive.

[@NicholasLoan]

Yamaha is King. Tournament partner sheared the teeth off the flywheel on his brand new Merc pro xs last season less than 5 hours on itI Got it back blew an alternator next time out. We ended up running my 5 year old indestructible SHO all season lol. I live on and fish Northern lake champlain over 100 days per year. Widely known as the roughest and most dangerous lakes in the country outside of the great lakes. I've smashed a handful of offshore reefs going 20-30 mph, barely even left a scratch on the skeg. Yamaha uses high quality parts and metal while engineering their outboards, Merc uses cheap lightweight junk parts and inferior metal. I've run Yamaha my whole life never had any major issues. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. It's nice to feel safe out on the water and confident you will make it back to the launch or tournament weigh ins at the end of the day, especially on Northern Champlain. I've had to help tow in a few boats over the years, and it's always the Merc powered boats. No hate, just my personal experiences

[@bradmatz8622]

I watched this video twice and read comments so while I think the leash is a great safety investment. I don't think mercury is the problem they sold a lot of outboards during covid because that was all anyone could get. If you hit a curb at 70 mph with your new truck and ripped the axles off you would say x manufacturer makes junk look what happened when i hit this curb at 70. All i am saying is anything can cause harm and damage not a mercury thing. I dont care what brand motor you have if you hit something at speed something is gonna break.

[@TeamMarineService]

100% agreed if they all didn't have a similar break had the ability to see one of these motors up close and I could take a screw driver to it and the metal was falling apart as you pushed on it with the screw driver and yes Covid played a roal but they are the example in the industry and alot of guys weren't going 70 and some didn't hit anything there's alot more to this we just don't have the time in the videos thanks for the comment we love the chat

[@KevinFischer-x5v]

Agree. Someone said their lower unit got ripped off because they were going 70 mph. BS, if they hit something that would happen. But just have it rip off isn’t likely. Someone just doesn’t want to pay the cost for hitting underwater object.

[@sonnyboy-gb4cr]

I am looking into getting my first boat, did not know this was a thing. Thank you for the heads up!

[@johnhenderson3632]

Where can we find the pictures

[@scottsasanecki4106]

i appreciate this video. I rec ently picked up a used 2023 caymas cx21 with a Pro xs on it. Where can I check the safety recalls and motor numbers? I have been searching and can't find anything

[@TurreTuntematon]

I have a 2020 Pro XS 200. No issues whatsoever but hearing you make me off course nervous.

[@Noamchomsky949]

Never seen many examples of why we should be installing a Leash. Also some pros advertising them installing them on their rigs. My thinking is they received them free. But I forked over some hard earned money on a Leash and installed it on my Allison xb21 with a 3L Mercury. I think there’s not enough examples for the working people to justify the cost. Thanks for picking this topic for safety sake.

[@BigJimFishing]

A local fisherman in the middle TN area had this happen. He survived, but is still in recovery from 8 months ago. Since that event, many local anglers here have gotten the leash.

[@Dylan-si1rn]

I fish old hickory where this happened. Theres always logs floating in it. Especially after a good rain. I just bought a boat w the xs and will be buying a leash as soon as i finish this video

[@MAHASHAWNIE]

1998 250 EFI here and hit everything but the reef and runs like a beast!!!

[@valkyrie6926]

I hit a rock one time and a log another time. Rock was at idle. The log I was running down the lake. Hit it with a 1995 Mariner out board. Didn’t hurt it. It is still running strong. My son has it now. 👍

[@plumbplumb458]

is this for any Mercury or just the PRO XS?

[@HuffFishing]

Any links to articles or pics of this? The Google isnt any help finding this info. Thanks

[@BumpNrun69]

same here, was wondering the same?

[@austinsmeenk941]

Could we do a video on what’s changed through the years over various models?

[@juliofrancis66]

Andy I can tell you that this problem will not get fixed any time soon. When the plandemic hit the powers that be at Merc order years worth of those brackets. Your comment about not buying Covid motors is right on the money. If you ever get that factory tour I'll be sure to come over and say hi. I highly doubt they will ever invite you because they are too big of babies to admit they are wrong about anything. Keep up the good work.

[@daniellockwood291]

You should do a video of what you think of the 2003 elpto outboards 75-90 3cyl and the 115-125 4cyl

[@batmanrobin3853]

I’m definitely putting one on my boat. I will definitely not buy another merc until they address this. This is crazy

[@erikdickerson173]

Even more happy I’ve got 115 mercury jet drive coming.

[@Dylan-si1rn]

Saving lives w this video

[@hardleon]

Where are the pictures and videos of these failures? I cannot find them and want to see if my engine is showing the same signs of fatigue? Not questioning whether they are happening, I'm sure they are, I just can't find the photos or videos that you refer to?

[@stevehenderson2571]

Thank you for the info. Word will be out.

[@DavidSeibert-l8z]

Andy, proud of ya man. In this day of corporate greed..hedge funds taking over proud American companies to running them in the ground and not giving a fuck about anybody or anything. Everybody scared to death to say a word..not you kick them square in the nuts. Believe me they knew ..just put profit ahead of safety. Your my go to for straight talk on boats. Your info lead me to my 2004 Basscat.just wish you were closer..cause you would have all my service..thanks again from southern Illinois give um hell man

[@TeamMarineService]

I appreciate ya buddy!

[@rbigswimer]

Love the channel. I feel that there’s a time coming in America were dealing with bean counting Corporations can come to an end.

[@mactownsend2890]

Unfortunately American companies haven't learned from the 70s when the Japanese took over the car market. Build a good product and your return business will benefit because of product quality and reputation. Japanese engineers aren't smarter than American engineers. It's just upper mgmt deciding to make as much profit by cutting quality and trying to appease shareholders and their CEO bonuses. Corporate greed is a short sighted approach. The negative product experience and publicity will steer hard working Americans to spend their money on Yamahas and Suzukis. The once sovereign category of full size pickup trucks has seen some of its share go to Toyota Tundras. Wake up Mercury! Don't go the way of Evinrude. Product quality should be #1. Do things right and the profits will follow. Take care of your employees and customers.

[@Kctfishn]

Mine’s a 2020 and had zero issues. Seems like a more recent issue

[@chrisduran4791]

I'm wondering why the boat manufacturers are not installing the leash or some safety measure on them mandatory since this is a possible death causing issue. Mercury gave out plastic covers for the cowlings when fingers were taken off.I wonder the exact sales number vs failures are? Really appreciate the video

[@CutDaOnions]

My brothers new 60hp 4stroke Mercury had the cavitation plate knocked off IDLING in a NO WAKE ZONE! Crazy how easy it just broke from a floating log. My dad's 90's Mercury hit shell sand and everything in-between. Not one problem on the old Mercury

[@Big.Nick.Thompson]

Ah yes the black stack from Fond Du Lac

[@timothygregg2223]

Thank you for this. I have a 20 Pro XS. 20 or 21 can't remember. I've heard about the leash but not this prob and I have hit things with the lower unit. I'm looking to get a new boat and I may just get this leash. The next rig will have a Yammy 250 SHO. Still could use that same leash I'm sure?. I'd really like a video on the Avid Fusion 23 or Magnum 23. I saw the one on the bass rig and I agree with that one. Also wonder about this aluminum thickness and the salt water as well as how to take care of everything for salt water use.

[@russellparker9231]

Seemed like this happened a couple time the past spring here in Texas. One was at Lake Fork I believe. I run an ‘07 Yamaha and been considering a Leash.

[@JR-ho5qm]

How is there not a stop drive safety bulletin on this.

[@douglasjre]

New funny content is easy to come up with. From our perspective in the repair industry, there's a lot of frustration and struggles that the customers will never comprehend or appreciate. When we express it. It sounds funny to others, but for us it's venting all the struggles of our work day.😂

[@TrippyWheelz]

I’ve got a pretty good hit record but even I have had to replace a lower unit from hitting a rock with my Yamaha. It gon happen. Fact that people don’t understand this fact when they buy a boat blows my mind. Should be on every boat price tag. “YOU WILL HIT SH!T”

[@mitchellbrewer5746]

I’ve never seen that and I’ve been working on them them the last 5 years

[@danielmckeen2465]

Andy!!! What's up!!!🤓 things cost more and built cheaper but COST MORE🤠 it's just that simple end of story!!!🤪😜

[@robbietubbs4135]

My Ranger is supposed to leave the factory on December 5th. My dealer has had a leash on my purchase order since the day I ordered it. Almost a month before I saw this.

[@justinharvey6192]

The reason people watch your channel is because of how real you are. No bull shit, fuck feelings, and the truth is what it is

[@johnhenderson3632]

Had a MLF pro fishing where I live in Florida. We pulled up to drop the boat in and noticed something looked funny as he was sitting at the ramp. There was no motor on the boat. Asked and basically told the motor sheared and flipped up on the boat and then fell back in the water. Wish I could tell you who the pro was but not well known. He was sponsored by Ridgeford foods.

[@kevinblackmon2223]

Luke Clausen is sponsored by Bridgeford and is an MLF pro.

[@petejablowski2123]

I just fished a Toyota series at the Potomac, everyday multiple mercury’s were towed back including the day one leader .

[@JeromeCooley-us8zl]

If there's certain year makes that are having issues, mercury will solve the problem. But in the mean time, mercury needs to ship leashes to customers with those year makes to keep down lawsuits. Which is cheaper a leash or lawsuit? But it can happen on all makes.

[@chrisrainville6324]

Any major problems with 2001. Mercury 125 2 strokes???

[@raylord3829]

I run a 22 150 pro xs on my boat and curious to see pictures of what happens and where in Canada can i can a leash for it and should i use a transom saver as the dealership said that i don't need one??

[@NytronX]

Thanks for the PSA. Any link to threads on this, or is this all word of mouth? Will be repowering next year or upgrading. Shoulda known "JDM 4 Life" literally means you have a higher chance of living.

[@mikebennewitz7019]

You should have a leash no matter what the brand of your outboard is!

[@richbd9836]

been through 2 pro xspowerheads in 1 season mercury warranty service had been excellent but it doesn’t replace my time off the water

[@TeamMarineService]

Wow what happened to them? Glad they are taking care of you

[@richbd9836]

@ 1 spun a bearing, @90hrs. the second one through a rod @170 hrs (combined hours for the two). this last time I took off after trolling kinda easy then went to give it the onion on the way back to the dock and it just stopped dead. no alarms no nothing just a big kerchunk and dead. Brought it to the dealership Monday morning, told them it was F’d. they didn’t believe me so they cranked on it and gave it the juice, at which point the piston turned sideways inside and ignited all the fuel that got in the crankcase from all the other times I tried to get it started when I was coming back to the dock using my kicker…. so it kind of messed up the detective work on the crime scene so to speak. no telling how it initially broke loose. maybe too stiff and brittle of a rod casting who knows. I can’t say enough about the dealer and Mercury making things right. they have 2x now. but its a long wait in the summer when every marine dealership in the county is backed up with work. Im a little superstitious, not sure if I’ll keep this motor when its fixed, Stick with Black and red, go Gray, or dark gray, closest Dark Gray dealer is 150 mile from me. the other two are in town + a honda.

[@bradhope7064]

So I think it’s the same problem the auto manufacturers are going through. Look at the 2020-2022 and some 2023 GMC 6.2L gas engines. Lifters keep going out. When COVID hit, they started using junk parts because of the labor and supply shortages, now it’s coming back to haunt them.

[@squarebill]

All these Motor-mate all these that fashion on or around the trim pistons one way or the other are the culprit which are causing stress fractures . Hense the reason it wasn't as common near as much with older models everyone was using the original transom savers lower unit to trailer support when trailering. One would be amazed how violent some of the shocks and jarring jolts that occur while trailering. There needs to be some type of device that has some shock absorbing abilities in it's design.

[@leefranklin645]

What's up with the shift acuators also? Pisses me off that the prices going sky high and quality sucks. Was fixed under warranty but boat has a nice scar from the incident.

[@marcushuffman1998]

You are doing a great job with the videos. Keep it up ! Where is the failure at , would like to see that . I’m a saltwater tech and don’t see the Pro XS

[@BigMkombe]

hey mate, is this happening on the 115 pros or just the big dogs?

[@RobertGentry-l7u]

Mr.Andy love your channel have 1998 201 pro elite stratos 2008 merc pro xs 250 any suggestions on what prop would be good starting point thanks for any help

[@jasonkirks]

Just subbed although I think I’ve seen every video you’ve made. Great PSA about the mercury. As a mercury owner who “sends it”, I appreciate it.

[@robertmonroe2665]

I have a 2020 Mercury 200 is this before all the defects started and what is causeing this? Is it inferior metal? Thanks and love watching your videos brother. Speed/Money/No brakes

[@HeadedWestFishing]

Did you have a video on mercury v8s shredding alternator belts?

[@ZLRob]

I just got a new 2024 rig with a 2024 115 HP ProXS. I'm really wondering if these are an issue as well since they are on a 2.1L block or if its only the 3.0L's and above.

[@mikethetoolman8776]

will never acknowledge it -- class action if they admit an issue!

[@steveturner5287]

As a tech I haven’t seen this besides in videos. Will be bringing this up in class next month. Thanks for the quality videos!!

[@swampbass6494]

Where do I get a leash for my outboard? Even tho I have a 1995 Yamaha proV I will take your advice and put a leash on my outboard! Thank you Andy!

[@RickyCarter-ro8fr]

Thanks for the info, keep up the good work and videos

[@VolsTP]

Buddy had it happen to him middle Tn and almost killed him. Had to be life flighted. I run same motor and purchased a leash that day.

[@danwhebbe8255]

I've only seen/heard this being an issue with bass boats. Is it a concern with deep V walleye boats also??

[@fishin11]

Only comment I’m making is, retired marine tech here, MERCURY WILL NOT DO ANTHING, KNOW TO MUCH ABOUT THEM. but have to admit, I can’t predict the future, but my history with them says they are done!

[@MrRGiller]

Thank you for the awesome video about this. Hopefully, this video does reach a lot of people and Mercury will step up to the plate by having you over to their facility and explain exactly what they are doing to fix this situation.

[@dannykeenum7537]

My 2001 225 EFI hits trees all time lol try not to but! It happens all I've done replaced top trim cylinder cap and keep pedal down!!! New ones are 50/50 lol

[@cagsanozbek4210]

Can you please tell which model years I should avoid ?

[@eugenemattingly1408]

Wow. Good to know I own a 2022 250 pro XS. I’m ordering a leash rite nowhere thank for the info

[@wearcotton]

Andy I captain a high school team and bought a leash for my pro xs after hearing of this happening. It is concerning. Love the motor otherwise so far

[@raymondjohnson6496]

What is the best motor on the market today for a hobie kayak Iam thinking about getting a electric motor since there’s all kinds electronic motors coming on the market today it’s probably more electric than gas I don’t or gas is better that’s why I want your opinion thanks from Louisville ky

[@bigbassgang8345]

My 2022 250 proxs 4s is currently dead in the water. Keeps blowing the PCM fuse and the dealer has spent 10 hours looking for the issue along side mercury. They are sending out an entire engine harness because the motor completely shuts off at 60 mph or 5250 rpm’s. I’ve been waiting a month for the harness and no word yet…… they thing the harness has a short somewhere. 115 hours and it ruined my AOY chances in my club with lunker smallie in the livewell.

[@terryschake9440]

I just purchased a lund adventure with a 115 pro XS. Am i at risk???????

[@Big_Mike72]

There is one recent case where the atlas jackplate spectated. The “Leash” wouldn’t help in that case. Yes the leash is a good idea, and I have ordered one a week before viewing this video. I personally feel it’s something to do will the metal Mercury is using.